Before you buy
This 2006 Mazda Rx 8 has 60 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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MAZDA RX 8 2006 has 60 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls. Airbag malfunctions lead with 17 reports, followed by transmission issues (13). Only 1 crash-related complaint was filed. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Mazda
- Model
- Rx 8
- Model year
- 2006
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 60
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
Common problems
Most common 2006 Mazda Rx 8 problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Transmission / Drivetrain
Visibility
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Transmission / Drivetrain, Visibility. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2006 Mazda Rx 8?
The 2006 Mazda RX-8 is a high-risk purchase due to numerous airbag and transmission complaints. Only consider if you are prepared for potential repairs and have a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Airbag malfunctions and transmission issues can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns. These patterns indicate potential reliability problems that may affect ownership experience.
May Suit
Enthusiasts willing to invest time and money into maintenance and repairs may find the RX-8's unique rotary engine appealing.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a reliable daily driver or those on a tight budget should avoid this model year due to frequent complaints.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2006 Mazda Rx 8
Inspection Focus
- Inspect airbag system for warning lights and proper deployment history.
- Check transmission for slipping, hard shifting, or unusual noises.
- Examine engine for rotary-specific issues like compression loss.
Before You Close the Deal
- Verify all airbag recalls have been performed.
- Check for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on reported components.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2006 Mazda Rx 8, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2006 Mazda RX-8 shows a high number of airbag malfunction reports (17 complaints), followed by transmission/drivetrain issues (13 complaints). With only 1 crash-related complaint and a low confidence level, buyers should approach with caution. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, 2006 has a high complaint count, but data for other years is not provided for direct comparison.
Recall context: With 5 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase.
- Airbag malfunctions account for 17 of 60 total complaints.
- Transmission/drivetrain issues are the second most reported problem with 13 complaints.
- Only 1 crash-related complaint was reported, but overall confidence is low.
- Airbag Malfunctions (17 complaints)
- Transmission / Drivetrain issues (13 complaints)
- Visibility problems (9 complaints)
Full breakdown
All 2006 Mazda Rx 8 complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2006 Mazda Rx 8. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 17 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2006 Mazda Rx 8. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact's grandson owns a 2006 Mazda RX-8. The contact stated that while her grandson was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the vehicle had an oil pressure failure. T…
THERE IS A WHITE BUSHING THAT BREAKS AND IS NOT REPLACEABLE. THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN HAS TO BE REPLACED. THE FACT THAT THIS CAR WAS MADE WITH THIS FLAW IS BEYOND MY COMPREHENSION. THE STEERING WHEEL BECOMES VERY LOOSE AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
PERRY MAZDA OF SANTA BARBARA CA IS REFUSING TO REPAIR MY RECALL BECAUSE THE FUEL PUMP CURRENTLY INSTALLED IS AN AFTERMARKET PART. I'VE CONTACTED MAZDA, BUT THE REPRESENTATIVE I SPOKE WITH AGREED WITH THE TECHNICIAN THAT THEY CAN'T REPAIR MY RECALL. HE IS LOOKING INTO ANOTHER SOLU…
THE BRACKET FOR THE CLUTCH PEDAL HAS BROKEN 4 TIMES. THE MILAGE IS CURRENTLY 81,000. I'VE CONTACTED MAZDA CORP AND THE DEALER I BOUGHT IT FROM NEW. THEY'RE SAYING UNLESS THERE'S A RECALL WE HAVE TO KEEP BUYING A NEW PEDAL/BRACKET ASSEMBLY. THE METAL THEY USED IS SOFT AND WEAK CAU…
I'M WRITING TO STATE ON MY RX8 SHINKA 2006 MAZDA HAS A STEERING WHEEL PROBLEM MOST CONCERNING. I HAVE OWNED IT AND MAINTAINED IT. AS I WAS LEAVING MY BANK I NOTICED A WHITE GASKET OF KIND ON THE FLOOR OF THE DRIVERS SIDE. I WENT TO DRIVE MY CAR AND THERE WAS A LOT OF PLAY IN MOVI…
TAKATA RECALL THE VEHICLE WAS STUTTERING AS I WAS DRIVING HOME IT WASN'T HOT OR OVERHEATING OR LOW ON OIL, I DROVE IT HOME AND SHUT IT OFF I THEN LATER TRIED TO START IT IT WOULDN'T START IT JUST CRANKED AND CRANKED IT WOULDN'T EVEN START OR TRY TO , THE APEX SEALS ON THIS CAR WE…
THE CLUTCH PEDAL BINDS UP,OR STICKS DURING RELEASING FROM THE FLOOR,WAS REPLACED BEFORE AND STILL HAS THE SAME ISSUE AND MY LOCAL MAZDA DEALERSHIP DOES NOT WANT TO HEAR THE COMPLAINT,NOW I WILL PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR THEIR REPEATED DEFECT!
MY VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A DEFECT KNOWN TO MAZDA TO THE EXTENT OF THEM ISSUING A RECALL (OR SSP) IN THE CANADIAN MARKET DUE TO USE OF CORROSIVES AND EXCESSIVE WET SEASONS CAUSING BUILD UP ON AND CORROSION OF THE OIL COOLER LINES. MAZDA CLEARLY STATED IN THE CANADIAN SSP (#76) THAT …
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON THE EVENING OF FEBRUARY 21ST. I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT AND THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN SO I PRESSED ON THE CLUTCH TO GET THE CAR IN GEAR, WHEN I PUSHED DOWN HOWEVER, THE CLUTCH MADE A LARGE SNAPPING SOUND AND MOVED DOWN A LITTLE FURTHER THAN USUAL. I WENT…
CLUTCH PEDAL SNAP OFF ISSUE WITH RX-8 OWNERS CONTINUES TO BE A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN, AS THE WELDS HOLDING THE PEDAL TOGETHER CAN AND WILL SNAP, LEAVING THE DRIVER UNABLE TO CHANGE GEARS OR USE THEIR VEHICLE, EVEN IF IN OPERATION AND AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THIS ISSUE HAS OCCURRED WI…
TAKATA RECALL. MY 2006 MAZDA RX8 HAS HAD TWO RECALLS DONE ON IT. THE 2ND OWNER HAD IT DONE AND AFTERWARDS A SMALL CRACK STARTED FROM ONE POINT WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED. WE HAD IT DONE IN GAINESVILLE AGAIN AND BROUGHT IT TO THEIR ATTENTION. THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING EXC…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MAZDA RX-8. THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MOFFITT VOLKSWAGEN INC. (1960 OLD MINDEN ROAD P.O. BOX 5855 BOSSIER CITY, LA 71111), AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF A RECALL THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FUEL ODOR.…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MAZDA RX-8. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V793000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL …
AIRBAG RECALL
PASSENGER AIRBAG COVER IS CRACKED ALL OVER, WAS TOLD IT WAS FROM THE AIRBAG. DOING THE RECALL FOR THE PASSENGER AIRBAG AND WAITING ON THE FUEL TANK RECALL.
THE VEHICLE IS LEAKING GAS FROM THE FUEL PUMP. IT SMELLS REALLY BAD SCARED TO DRIVE BECAUSE THE GAS SMELL STAY IN THE CABIN. PEOPLE WHEN I PARK NEXT TO THEM SAY YOU HAVE A BAD GAS LEAK . BUT IT'S JUST DRIPPING FROM THE FUEL PUMP TO WHERE THE FUEL LINE CONNECTS AND I JUST NEED HEL…
THE PASSENGER AIRBAG COVER IS CRACKED REALLY BAD. I'VE GOT A NOTICE SAYING THERE WAS A RECALL FOR AIRBAGS. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE INFLATORS ONLY LEAVING THE OLD AIRBAG IN THERE.
I PURCHASED/FINANCED MY VEHICLE ON OCTOBER 9, 2015 AT HILLTOP NISSAN (258 ROUTE 10, EAST HANOVER, NJ 07936) AT 59,201 MILES. ON APRIL 7, 2016, I WENT TO START THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. I HAD IT TOWED TO MAZDA OF LODI, SO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CAN TAKE A LO…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MAZDA RX-8. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V382000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR TH…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MAZDA RX-8. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASH BOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V382000 (AIR BAG). THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED FOR THEIR SAFE…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2006 Mazda Rx 8.
Safety recalls
2006 Mazda Rx 8 recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2006 Mazda Rx 8. With 5 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2006 Mazda Rx 8 buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2006 Mazda Rx 8 reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 60 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2006 Mazda RX-8 is a high-risk purchase due to numerous airbag and transmission complaints. Only consider if you are prepared for potential repairs and have a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Mazda Rx 8?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (17 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (13 complaints). #3: Visibility (9 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2006 Mazda Rx 8?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2006 Mazda Rx 8?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2006 Mazda Rx 8, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 60 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2006 Mazda Rx 8 have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2006 Mazda Rx 8. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. With 5 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2006 Mazda Rx 8?▾
The 2006 Mazda RX-8 is a high-risk purchase due to numerous airbag and transmission complaints. Only consider if you are prepared for potential repairs and have a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Airbag malfunctions and transmission issues can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns. These patterns indicate potential reliability problems that may affect ownership experience. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Mazda Rx 8 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.